English-College Prep-10 Conrad Weiser High School Mrs. C. Ruoss 44 Big Spring Road c_ruoss@conradweiser.org Robesonia, PA 19551 Voice Mail: 610-693-8599, Ext. 6664 610-693-8521 cruoss.wikispaces.com
Course Description: This academic English course stresses the comprehension and appreciation of reading short stories, modern plays, Shakespeare, and novels. Writing will concentrate on development techniques, literary analysis, and personal writing. A research paper and the skills needed to produce a comprehension research analysis will be included. The vocabulary, grammar, and public speaking aspects of this course are aimed at improving oral and written expression.
Class Assignments The following items will be the basis for assessment and grading this course.
Independent Reading Response Essays – one per marking period
Writing Assignments, including MLA Research Paper
Vocabulary and Grammar Study and Tests
Literature Unit quizzes and tests and writing projects
Individual and group projects and presentations
Text and Material Provided Literature and the Language Arts: Understanding Literature (English 10 anthology) Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Night by Elie Wiesel Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Additional Materials Required Students should have these necessary materials for English 10:
Three ring binder for class notes and handouts
Loose notebook paper for class assignments
Blue or black ink pens and pencils
Highly recommended: Flash drive or other external storage device to save writing assignments.
Semester Grading: Each marking period grade will contribute to 30% of your overall semester grade with the final exam being worth 10%. Check for frequent grade updates on Skyward, Conrad Weiser’s on-line grade system.
Course Assignment Grading and Deadlines Late work will not be accepted. Assignments are due on the due date at the beginning of class. If you are absent, they are due the day you return to school. If you have not received the assignment, due to your absence, arrangements should be made with the teacher for a revised due date. Special exceptions will be made, but only if they are pre-arranged with the teacher.
Schedule of Daily Activities Students should come prepared for class with necessary materials for the day’s work. You must bring your class notebook EVERY DAY, along with a pen and/or pencil. Literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary lessons may occur on any day. In addition, special work days are as follows:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Silent reading: Bring a self-selected book to read.
Classroom Behavior All students are expected to contribute positively to the classroom learning environment. Students should make wise choices and demonstrate honesty, respect and a high level of personal responsibility in the classroom.
Be in your seat and ready for class when the bell rings.
Always have a pencil or pen. We will do some form of writing every day.
You are expected to be attentive to all class instruction until the bell rings at the end of class. All students will remain in their seats until the bell rings to signal the end of class.
Any student displaying disruptive or disrespectful behavior in the classroom will receive consequences. Repeated offenses will result in an office referral.
Plagiarism No attempts to plagiarize work in course assignments will be tolerated. Plagiarism can be classified as: 1) Copying word for word from another source without proper credit. 2) Paraphrasing ideas from another source without proper credit. 3) Submitting in whole, or in part, a paper written by another student, or a paper written as an assignment for another course. 4) Allowing someone else to copy your essay, assignment or test answers.
A student/teacher conference will be conducted to determine willful acts of plagiarism. Willful acts of plagiarism will receive a “zero” on the assignment. Writing Assignments Most writing assignmentsshould be typed in Times Roman, 12 point font and be double spaced, unless otherwise noted by the teacher. The following heading should be used in the top corner of your paper:
Your Name Mrs. Ruoss English CP 10 Date Submitted
If you are unable to print your work at home, please email the assignment to Mrs. Ruoss, c_ruoss@conradweiser.org. I will print it for you!
INDEPENDENT READING Reading Response Essay
Reading
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, thirty (30) minutes will be set aside for sustained silent reading. Students are required to bring a reading book to class on these days. Time to exchange books, in the library, will also be provided on these days, as necessary. You are encouraged to read challenging books that will prepare you for College level reading. Take notes, as you read. This will be helpful to recall events and important points that will contribute to your essay.
Essay (100 points each)
Students will be required to write a five paragraph essay (minimum) related to their independent reading book. The essay SHOULD NOT be a summary of the book. Three essays will be written during the semester (one per marking period) on three different books.
The essay should identify a single idea. You will introduce the idea, develop it in your essay and make a conclusion about the idea. You may consider the following:
What is the theme or central, underlying idea within the work? How is it stated throughout the book? Develop with examples.
How is point of view established? What is the advantage to the author’s chosen point of view? Does the point of view limit or enhance the novel’s plot? Explain.
How does the setting contribute to the novel’s central theme? How does the author establish and describe the setting of the novel? Is it essential or could the story have happened elsewhere? If so, where? Describe another place your novel could have taken place.
What is the novel’s central purpose? What is it trying to do? How fully did it achieve its purpose? How significant is its purpose?
Write two newspaper articles, published at the time of your novel, detailing a major event or major conflict in your book. Include details from the plot to develop an understanding of the event. Fully develop your news article including the who, what, when, where and why of the news.
Change one of the characters. Explain how and why you would change one of the characters of your book. Develop the character’s qualities and how they might change the course of the novel.
Modernize the story. Where would it take place? How would the characters actions change? How would the change in time affect the plot?
Identify at least three changes you would make to the book. Explain your reasons.
Compare the plot elements of this novel with another book by the same author or another similar novel you may have read.
If the novel had a villain, explore the nature of his/her evil. What caused him/her to act in this manner? Was his/her action(s) justified? How might this villain be different?
Write another part of the story. Convey what you think happened before the story began or what happened to the main character after the story ended.
Explain how you would make your book into a movie – Who would play the main character? Where would you film it? What types of songs/music would be on the soundtrack, etc.? You must explain and justify your choices.
Explore some of the literary devices the author utilizes like foreshadowing, irony, symbolism. Are they effective? Why or why not?
Argue for or against the ending of your novel. Is it appropriate? How would you have changed it and why?
Historical Fiction – Choose at least three historical references in your book and research whether or not the event or situation is grounded in fact. Was the historical reference accurate and did the event actually take place?
Essay Criteria
Minimum of 5 paragraphs (1 to 1-1/2 pages)
Introduction that includes a paraphrase of the option you chose, along with a clear thesis statement or purpose for your essay.
The title and author of your book in the essay title or introductory paragraph. Remember that book titles are underlined or in italics.
Three body paragraphs that provide three separate ideas to support your thesis. Each idea should include three examples or details from the story.
A conclusion that highlights what you have said in your essay.
A single controlling point made with an awareness of the task about a specific topic.
The presence and development of facts, examples, anecdotes, details, opinions, statistics, reasons, explanations, and/or ideas.
The order developed and sustained within and across paragraphs using transitional devices and including introduction and conclusion.
The choice, use, and arrangement of words and sentence structures that create tone and voice.
The use of grammar, mechanics, usage, and sentence formation.
Focus
Content
Organization
Style
Conventions
Criteria
4 Exceeds the standard
Sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of the task.
Specific, substantial, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong development and sophisticated ideas.
Sophisticated arrangement of content with evident and/or subtle transitions.
Precise use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create consistent writer’s voice and tone appropriate to audience.
Evident control with few errors and sophisticated use of conventions.
3 Meets the standard
Apparent point made with sufficient awareness of the task.
Sufficiently developed content.
Functional arrangement of content that sustains a logical order.
Functional use of a variety of words or sentence structures.
Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, usage and sentence formation.
2 Below the standard
Evidence of a single controlling topic, but with no apparent point
Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation.
Confused or inconsistent arrangement or content with or without attempts at transition.
Generic word choice and limited control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone.
Weaknesses are obvious.
1 Little evidence of standard
Minimal evidence of controlling topic.
Superficial and/or significantly limited content.
Minimal control of content and arrangement.
Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures.
Significant weaknesses in control of grammar, mechanics, usage and sentence formation.
Student Name _
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Student
I have received and read Mrs. Ruoss' English-College Prep-10 Course Expectations.
Signature _ Date _
Email _
Check all that apply: I have access to a computer at home to type English assignments.
I have an internet connection at home.
Other
Parent/Guardian
I am aware that my child received a copy of Mrs. Ruoss’ English-College Prep-10 Course Expectations, and have also reviewed the information.
Signature _ Date _
In the event that a contact needs to be made regarding your child, please provide an email address and phone number where you would prefer me to leave messages/information.
Mrs. C. Ruoss 44 Big Spring Road
c_ruoss@conradweiser.org Robesonia, PA 19551
Voice Mail: 610-693-8599, Ext. 6664 610-693-8521
cruoss.wikispaces.com
Course Description: This academic English course stresses the comprehension and appreciation of reading short stories, modern plays, Shakespeare, and novels. Writing will concentrate on development techniques, literary analysis, and personal writing. A research paper and the skills needed to produce a comprehension research analysis will be included. The vocabulary, grammar, and public speaking aspects of this course are aimed at improving oral and written expression.
Class Assignments
The following items will be the basis for assessment and grading this course.
Text and Material Provided
Literature and the Language Arts: Understanding Literature (English 10 anthology)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Night by Elie Wiesel
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Additional Materials Required
Students should have these necessary materials for English 10:
Semester Grading: Each marking period grade will contribute to 30% of your overall semester grade with the final exam being worth 10%. Check for frequent grade updates on Skyward, Conrad Weiser’s on-line grade system.
Course Assignment Grading and Deadlines
Late work will not be accepted. Assignments are due on the due date at the beginning of class. If you are absent, they are due the day you return to school. If you have not received the assignment, due to your absence, arrangements should be made with the teacher for a revised due date. Special exceptions will be made, but only if they are pre-arranged with the teacher.
Schedule of Daily Activities
Students should come prepared for class with necessary materials for the day’s work. You must bring your class notebook EVERY DAY, along with a pen and/or pencil. Literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary lessons may occur on any day. In addition, special work days are as follows:
Classroom Behavior
All students are expected to contribute positively to the classroom learning environment. Students should make wise choices and demonstrate honesty, respect and a high level of personal responsibility in the classroom.
Plagiarism
No attempts to plagiarize work in course assignments will be tolerated. Plagiarism can be classified as:
1) Copying word for word from another source without proper credit.
2) Paraphrasing ideas from another source without proper credit.
3) Submitting in whole, or in part, a paper written by another student, or a paper written as an assignment for another course.
4) Allowing someone else to copy your essay, assignment or test answers.
A student/teacher conference will be conducted to determine willful acts of plagiarism. Willful acts of plagiarism will receive a “zero” on the assignment.
Writing Assignments
Most writing assignmentsshould be typed in Times Roman, 12 point font and be double spaced, unless otherwise noted by the teacher. The following heading should be used in the top corner of your paper:
Your Name
Mrs. Ruoss
English CP 10
Date Submitted
If you are unable to print your work at home, please email the assignment to Mrs. Ruoss, c_ruoss@conradweiser.org. I will print it for you!
INDEPENDENT READING
Reading Response Essay
Reading
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, thirty (30) minutes will be set aside for sustained silent reading. Students are required to bring a reading book to class on these days. Time to exchange books, in the library, will also be provided on these days, as necessary. You are encouraged to read challenging books that will prepare you for College level reading. Take notes, as you read. This will be helpful to recall events and important points that will contribute to your essay.
Essay (100 points each)
Students will be required to write a five paragraph essay (minimum) related to their independent reading book. The essay SHOULD NOT be a summary of the book. Three essays will be written during the semester (one per marking period) on three different books.
The essay should identify a single idea. You will introduce the idea, develop it in your essay and make a conclusion about the idea. You may consider the following:
- What is the theme or central, underlying idea within the work? How is it stated throughout the book? Develop with examples.
- How is point of view established? What is the advantage to the author’s chosen point of view? Does the point of view limit or enhance the novel’s plot? Explain.
- How does the setting contribute to the novel’s central theme? How does the author establish and describe the setting of the novel? Is it essential or could the story have happened elsewhere? If so, where? Describe another place your novel could have taken place.
- What is the novel’s central purpose? What is it trying to do? How fully did it achieve its purpose? How significant is its purpose?
- Write two newspaper articles, published at the time of your novel, detailing a major event or major conflict in your book. Include details from the plot to develop an understanding of the event. Fully develop your news article including the who, what, when, where and why of the news.
- Change one of the characters. Explain how and why you would change one of the characters of your book. Develop the character’s qualities and how they might change the course of the novel.
- Modernize the story. Where would it take place? How would the characters actions change? How would the change in time affect the plot?
- Identify at least three changes you would make to the book. Explain your reasons.
- Compare the plot elements of this novel with another book by the same author or another similar novel you may have read.
- If the novel had a villain, explore the nature of his/her evil. What caused him/her to act in this manner? Was his/her action(s) justified? How might this villain be different?
- Write another part of the story. Convey what you think happened before the story began or what happened to the main character after the story ended.
- Explain how you would make your book into a movie – Who would play the main character? Where would you film it? What types of songs/music would be on the soundtrack, etc.? You must explain and justify your choices.
- Explore some of the literary devices the author utilizes like foreshadowing, irony, symbolism. Are they effective? Why or why not?
- Argue for or against the ending of your novel. Is it appropriate? How would you have changed it and why?
- Historical Fiction – Choose at least three historical references in your book and research whether or not the event or situation is grounded in fact. Was the historical reference accurate and did the event actually take place?
Essay CriteriaWRITING RUBRIC
Independent Reading Response Essay
PA Writing Assessment Domain Scoring
Exceeds the standard
Meets the standard
Below the standard
Little evidence of standard
Student Name _
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Student
I have received and read Mrs. Ruoss' English-College Prep-10 Course Expectations.
Signature _ Date _
Email _
Check all that apply:
I have access to a computer at home to type English assignments.
I have an internet connection at home.
Other
Parent/Guardian
I am aware that my child received a copy of Mrs. Ruoss’ English-College Prep-10 Course Expectations, and have also reviewed the information.
Signature _ Date _
In the event that a contact needs to be made regarding your child, please provide an email address and phone number where you would prefer me to leave messages/information.
Email:
Phone Number:
Circle One:Cell Home Work